November 9, 2012 - Orillia, ON

Lakehead University's 2011-2012 Report to the Community conveys how innovative people, impressive achievements and forward momentum have made the past year a shining success while promising even more for the future. The web-based Report also outlines the many benefits resulting from the various relationships and partnerships between Lakehead and the people and communities of Orillia, Barrie and the Simcoe County region.

"This report celebrates the enormous contribution Lakehead University makes to the economic, social and cultural life of the communities around us," says Cam Clark, chair of the Lakehead University Board of Governors. "Our Draft Strategic Plan for 2013-2018 will only strengthen our community outreach and economic development initiatives."

Orillia's Downtown Computers owner, Mariano Tulipano, highlights the reciprocal relationship between Orillia and Lakehead, as well as his duty as a member of the community and local business owner, saying, "We all buy from one another and support each other. If a large institution, like a university, becomes a successful member of our local economy, then we all benefit."

"The cost of post-secondary education has tripled since I went to university and it will likely be even more expensive by the time my kids go," Tulipano adds. "The opportunity for local kids to get a university degree while living right here at home could mean the difference between leaving and staying."

The research work of faculty member, Dr. Chris Murray, is featured in the Report to the Community, and Dr. Murray presents highlights in his comments at the event. The audience also hears from student, Debbie Balika of Barrie, who shares her experience at Lakehead -- from enroling as a member of the charter class, to now being one of the campus's first graduate students.

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson with Mariano Tulipano of Orillia and Lakehead graduate student Debbie Balika of Barrie, who each spoke to guests and community leaders at the University's Report to the Community event held at the Orillia campus on Friday, November 9, 2012.

Lakehead Orillia has experienced consistent enrolment growth since it opened six years ago and the University's overall undergraduate employment rates have remained above the provincial average since 2006.

"These benchmarks illustrate the quality education our University provides to our students, resulting in the excellent chance Lakehead graduates have of realizing their future goals," says Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice-Provost, Orillia Campus.

Lakehead's important role in the local economy is also reflected in the monies injected directly into the City of Orillia from the University's operating expenditures ($20.6 million) and by students from outside the immediate area ($13.9 million) during fiscal 2011-2012.

The Orillia campus is currently developing a plan for the next five years (2013-2018) and Fedderson invites community members to get involved. Members of the community can learn more and provide input into the planning process by visiting the Orillia Campus Plan 2013-2018 website (orillia.lakeheadu.ca/campus-plan).

"We invite your participation in shaping the future growth of the Orillia campus," says Fedderson. "The Orillia campus has evolved dramatically, and it is now time for a renewed focus on the campus and its role in the region."

"It's critical for a community to understand how the importance of the relationship between Lakehead, Orillia, Barrie and the Simcoe County region stimulates the economy of our communities through education and research," says Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. "I am humbled by the level of community support for this institution and proud of the responsibility Lakehead has to our community."

Guests enjoy lunch, prepared and served by Lakehead Orillia's food service provider, Madison County Food & Beverage Co., in the University Avenue campus cafeteria.

The Report to the Community consists of an innovative website (www.report.lakeheadu.ca) and brochure that celebrate Lakehead's accomplishments during Dr. Stevenson's second year as President and Vice-Chancellor.

Lakehead's Report to the Community website documents the success of its students, faculty, alumni and staff. In keeping with its accountability to its stakeholders, the online site features links to audited financial statements, in addition to information about the University's strategic directions, honours and awards, and performance indicators such as rates of enrolment, graduation and employment.

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Media: For more information, please contact Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson highlights the successes of the last year at the Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 Report to the Community breakfast.

(November 8, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Lakehead University's 2011-2012 Report to the Community extols how innovative people, impressive achievements and forward momentum have made the past year a shining success while promising even more for the future.

The web-based report also outlines the many benefits resulting from the various relationships and partnerships between Lakehead and the people and communities of Northwestern Ontario.

"This report celebrates the enormous contribution Lakehead University makes to the economic, social and cultural life of the communities around us," says Cam Clark, chair of the Lakehead University Board of Governors. "Our Draft Strategic Plan for 2013-2018 will only strengthen our community outreach and economic development initiatives."

BDO Canada LLP has been an important partner with Lakehead University through an annual bursary given to accounting students. BDO Canada Office Managing Partner Blair Smith spoke about the importance of Lakehead University at the Report to the Community breakfast.

"In the 12 years since my wife and I moved here, it's amazing how much Lakehead has grown and helped the City and region move through some extremely difficult economic times," Smith says.

"Times would have been much worse without the benefits that Lakehead has provided, whether it's through the ever-expanding student enrolment, the medical school or the continuing focus on research and development.

All of these factors have helped alter our local economy and move us forward into a new economic reality," Smith adds.

BDO Canada Office Manager Blair Smith spoke
about the positive benefits Lakehead University
provides to communities.

Lakehead has experienced consistent enrolment growth over the past decade and the University's undergraduate employment rates have remained above the provincial average since 2006.

"These benchmarks illustrate the quality education our comprehensive University provides to our students, resulting in the excellent chance Lakehead graduates have of finding employment in their chosen field of study," says President and Vice Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson.

"A large part of the enrolment growth and above-average employment rate can be attributed to partnerships with donors, government, companies, community organizations and other funders integral to Lakehead's success," Dr. Stevenson adds.

Lakehead also plays an important role in the local economy through its operating expenditures, which had an economic impact of $326.5 million on the City of Thunder Bay in 2011-2012. More than 50 per cent of Lakehead students come from outside Northwestern Ontario, mostly from the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding communities, injecting $84.3 million of new money into the City of Thunder Bay over the past year.

Student Winta Desta talked about how beneficial
scholarships and bursaries can be to assist with the cost
of tuition.

One of the many achievements being recognized in the Report to the Community is Lakehead's new Faculty of Law, which was given the green light from the Province in July 2011 to become the first new law school in Ontario in 42 years.

"When the Faculty of Law opens next September it will benefit all of Northwestern Ontario, including Aboriginal people and those in the Far North," says Dr. Stevenson. "Many of the lawyers educated at the Faculty of Law will practice in Northwestern Ontario.

"It's important for people to understand the critical role Lakehead plays in improving our community through education and research " both of which improve the economy," Dr. Stevenson adds. "I am humbled by the level of community support for this institution and proud of the responsibility Lakehead has to our community."

The Report to the Community consists of an innovative website (www.report.lakeheadu.ca) and brochure that celebrate Lakehead's accomplishments during Dr. Stevenson's second year as President and Vice-Chancellor.

Lakehead's Report to the Community website documents the success of its students, faculty, alumni and staff. In keeping with its accountability to its stakeholders, the online site features links to audited financial statements, in addition to information about the University's strategic directions, honours and awards, and performance indicators such as rates of enrolment, graduation and employment.

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(November 7, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

An upcoming workshop hosted by Lakehead University's Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs will teach educators about the benefits of using a strength-based approach in schools.

Uncovering Your Students' Potential: A Workshop on Integrating a Strengths-Based Approach will examine the idea that everyone has strengths and youth should be empowered to draw upon their different strengths to achieve their goals.

"The research behind this demonstrates that educators who use a strength-based approach increase student success and reduce bullying," says Dr. Ed Rawana, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs, and Director of Lakehead's Clinical Psychology Program.

"This approach fosters a sense of optimism, hope and motivation for change in students and school personnel. In addition, this method has been shown to facilitate a positive school climate, increase student engagement and address classroom management issues," Dr. Rawana adds.

The free workshop aims to increase educators' awareness of the successful Strength-Based Programming developed by Dr. Rawana and Dr. Keith Brownlee from Lakehead University with educators from Lakehead Public Schools.

This method encourages teachers, administrators, parents and community partners to work with students' strengths to address their challenges and help create pathways to success in learning.

Presenters include Dr. Wayne Hammond, President and Executive Director with Resiliency Initiatives in Calgary; Dr. Jennine Rawana, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at York University; Dr. Jessica Whitley, Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Ottawa, and three Principals from Lakehead Public Schools where Strength-Based Programming has been implemented.

Participants will be introduced to the principles, tools and resources for implementing a school-wide, strengths-based approach during the workshop.

The workshop is free but limited to the first 60 registrants. Lunch, refreshments and printed materials will be provided to all participants at no cost, thanks to funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Media: The Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs is holding the workshop Monday, Nov. 12 and Tuesday Nov. 13 from 10 am-3 pm at the Valhalla Inn.

Lakehead University's Centre of Excellence for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs is a research centre that focuses on generating and disseminating knowledge and putting that knowledge into practice.

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For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(November 2, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Lakehead University's Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health (CERAH) is hosting a bi-annual palliative care conference entitled Life Transitions: Chronic Illness and Palliative Care.

The conference will take place in Thunder Bay at the Victoria Inn, from November 7-9, 2012. The goal of the conference is to bring interdisciplinary palliative care providers together to share current information on end-of-life care and to facilitate networking and team building in communities throughout the region and beyond.

The opening keynote address is called Palliative Care for All Canadians: Dream or Reality? and will be presented by Lakehead University's Dr. Mary Lou Kelley. Sharon Baxter, Executive Director of The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), will present a new nation-wide awareness campaign called Let's Talk About Hospice Palliative Care First, and the closing keynote address, End-of-Life Dementia Care: The Time Has Come, will be presented by Dr. Michael Gordon, one of Canada's best known geriatric medical specialists.

In addition to a plethora of engaging presentations, the conference planning committee and CHPCA will also be acknowledging Dr. Mary Lou Kelley's recent receipt of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, which she was awarded by the CHPCA in Montreal, on October 11, 2012.

Members of the media are invited to interview keynote speakers listed below:

Dr. Kelley is the Lakehead University Chair for Palliative Care, a professor of Social Work at Lakehead and at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and a Research Affiliate at the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health.

As a CERAH Research Affiliate and former Centre director, Dr. Kelley has been instrumental in helping this dynamic organization achieve its mission of advancing health and social care for an aging population and promoting the health and well being of people aging across the life span. In 2011 she was given the Award of Excellence by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

Sharon Baxter has been the Executive Director of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association for more than 10 years. She holds a Masters of Social Work degree in Public Policy and Administration and has worked on national health policy for 19 years. She and CHPCA host the Quality End-of-Life Care Coalition of Canada. Sharon sits on many coalitions and national committees looking at hospice palliative care and end-of-life care issues specifically around health policy.

Dr. Michael Gordon is a geriatrician, ethicist, educator, speaker and author. He is currently a Professor of Medicine in the Division of Geriatrics at the University of Toronto and Medical Program Director of Palliative Care at Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System.

He has worked as Baycrest Geriatric Health Care System's Vice President of Medical Services and Head of Geriatrics and Internal Medicine. Dr. Gordon holds Canada's first certificate issued by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in the field of Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Gordon is a well-respected and much sought-after speaker to general audiences and health care professionals.

What: 2012 Palliative Care Conference - Life Transitions: Chronic Illness and Palliative Care

When:Wednesday, Nov. 7 (12 " 5 pm), Thursday, Nov. 8 (8:30 am " 4:30 pm) and Friday, Nov. 9 (8:30 am " 12 pm), 2012

Where: The Victoria Inn,555 Arthur St., Thunder Bay

Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8372.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(November 2, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Lakehead University's Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health (CERAH) is hosting a public presentation by Sharon Baxter called Let's Talk About Hospice Palliative Care First, an awareness campaign launched by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association.

The campaign is in response to the apparent confusion in the minds of Canadians surrounding euthanasia, assisted suicide and hospice palliative care. Professionals working in hospice palliative care and health care are often at a loss about how to respond to these issues.

The free presentation will discuss the campaign and how the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association's (CHPCA) resources can assist with these conversations. There will be time for discussion with participants.

Members of the media are invited to interview Sharon Baxter, Executive Director of the CHPCA for more than 10 years. Sharon holds a Masters of Social Work in Public Policy and Administration and has worked on national health policy for 19 years. She and CHPCA host the Quality End-of-Life Care Coalition of Canada. Sharon sits on many coalitions and national committees looking at hospice palliative care and end-of-life care issues specifically around health policy.

What: Let's Talk about Hospice Palliative Care First " a public presentation
When: 7:30 " 9:00 pm, November 7, 2012
Where:Kensington Room, The Victoria Inn, 555 Arthur St. W., Thunder Bay

Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8372.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(October 31, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Lakehead University puts forward its Strategic Mandate Agreement (SMA) in response to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' recent call for Ontario post-secondary institutions to distinguish themselves as innovators in education.

Lakehead's SMA focuses on continued improvements to the student experience by discussing key elements that will have direct results on student success. As requested by Minister Glen Murray, Lakehead's three priorities are:

PRIORITY 1: Student access, mobility and pathways " A leader in developing new pathways to and from the University, enhancing college/university transfer, and improving student mobility.
- This includes the implementation of telepresence technology to increase the number of university courses that can be taught in remote locations.

PRIORITY 2: Learner-centred " Excellence through enhanced student support, faculty interaction, and engagement. The 2012-2017 Academic Plan has set achieving excellence in teaching, learning and research as its first priority.
- The Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre created on the Thunder Bay campus will be a gathering place that provides academic and spiritual support for Aboriginal students. The Centre will allow the Aboriginal and University communities to connect with each other while offering numerous programs and services to assist with student retention.

PRIORITY 3: Economic Development and Community Partnerships " Enabling the University and our communities to work together with a central focus on learning, research and economic development.
- The Centre of Excellence in Mineral Exploration and Sustainable Mining Development will support cutting-edge research and Community Service Learning in advanced exploration and development, in addition to addressing the environmental and social aspects of mineral extraction.

"In developing our SMA, Lakehead spent a lot of time looking at what we've accomplished and what we hope to achieve," says Dr. Rod Hanley, Lakehead's Provost and Vice-President (Academic). "We plan to build on our successes by increasing our students' pathways with businesses and other schools " to make their future even brighter.

"Lakehead will also use leading edge technology to reach students, creating opportunities allowing more people to have access to post-secondary education," Dr. Hanley adds.

Lakehead President Dr. Brian Stevenson is excited about what the SMA means for the University. "The SMA lays out a clear plan and vision that will be realized in a few years. Our proposed agreement is something to be excited about because it outlines positive initiatives for Lakehead, our students and our communities," Dr. Stevenson says.

The SMA process started in June 2012 after the province released its discussion paper, Strengthening Ontario's Centres of Creativity, Innovation and Knowledge, about quality, innovation and productivity, which is designed to make the university and college system stronger. In a follow up letter, Minister Murray confirmed the Government's intent to lead publicly funded post-secondary education institutions in a transformation process to find efficiencies and drive innovation to improve productivity. All of Ontario's colleges and universities were subsequently charged with the completion of SMAs.

The province asked post-secondary institutions to create their own SMAs to help make the university and college system stronger. This is the first step in the development of a provincial SMA to be used by the Ministry to inform future decisions.

Lakehead University's institutional vision, proposed mandate statement and priority objectives were recently received by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities and will be reviewed by the Minister and the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario in the coming months. Lakehead's submission can be viewed at the following link:

http://vpacademic.lakeheadu.ca/?display=page&pageid=94

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Media:For more information please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at 343-8177 ormediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(Orillia, ON - Oct. 25, 2012) The students each wrote and published a children's book, intended to introduce themselves to the elementary school students they will meet in their upcoming placements. The teacher candidates wrote about themselves, using a variety of life story themes. Some students chose to write about their families or a particular and meaningful incident in their lives, and then shared their stories with each other at the book launch class.

"This class project is designed to teach the writing process, including drafting, editing, publishing and sharing," explained program instructor Rosemary Hartley. "Our education students are involved in a very intense program, taking nine courses over a nine-week period, so this kind of assignment adds a fun element into their stressful semester."

Class member Christopher McMillan chose to write about his experience running with the bulls in Spain last summer. The story tells the reader how he and his friends joined the run by happenstance, when they found themselves in Pamplona, Spain at the time of the famous event.

"In my book, 'Fearless,' I shared my fear of participating in the run because it could result in major injury. I then went on to explain how I built up my courage to enter the forum and face my fear," said McMillan. "This project made me realize the importance of an engaging story in drawing parallels to the life experiences of the reader, such as overcoming your fears."

Lakehead education student Christopher McMillan of Orillia (right) gets a thumbs-up from classmate Josh Whiteside of Bracebridge for his children's book produced for a course project.

The students in the class agreed that the assignment was an excellent opportunity to express creativity and offered a welcome variation in the strenuous workload of the program.

McMillan says that he feels the Lakehead program has prepared him well for what he may face in the classroom. "I've learned that literacy is the foundation of all learning and learning how to teach literacy, such as through this course, has been extremely valuable."

"An innovative project such as this one recasts the role of student teacher to one of children's author," says Michael Hoechsmann, Chair of Lakehead Orillia's Education programs. "This type of creativity enhances Lakehead's reputation for preparing high quality, classroom-ready teachers."

The students begin five-week placements in school classrooms on November 12.

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Dr. Gautam Das is one of the Lakehead University researchers receiving a CFI grant.

(October 25, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Two research teams at Lakehead University have been awarded prestigious Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) Leaders Opportunity Fund grants to acquire specialized equipment to pursue their innovative research.

"CFI investments equip researchers with the tools they need to think big and turn discoveries into innovative products and processes that benefit their communities," says CFI President and CEO, Dr. Gilles G. Patry.

"Infrastructure funding awarded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation is continuing to play a fundamental role in providing state-of-the-art research infrastructure and equipment to our faculty and thus allowing their innovative programs of research to advance to the next level," explains Dr. Rui Wang, Lakehead's Vice-President (Research, Economic Development & Innovation).

The CFI awarded more than $124,000 to a research team led by Dr. Mitchell Albert " Lakehead University/Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) Research Chair in Molecular Imaging and Advanced Diagnostics " to help the team acquire a noble gas hyperpolarizer. Dr. Albert, who is co-inventor of the HP gas MRI technology and a pioneer in new applications for this technique, will be using the hyperpolarizer to do research on the early detection of asthma.

Together with fellow researchers Dr. Lily Wu and Dr. Brian Ross, Dr. Albert will investigate the relationship between hydrogen sulfide and asthma hyper-reactivity in an effort to create new diagnostic and monitoring tests to improve existing asthma treatments and reduce serious and sometimes fatal acute asthmatic attacks.

Lakehead Physics professor Dr. Gautam Das will use $105,141 in CFI funding to acquire a signal analyzer, a tunable laser and a spectrometer to conduct photonics (the study of light) research. The instruments are essential in his quest to develop better medical diagnostic testing for diabetes and cancer. In addition to developing a trace gas analyzer for medical diagnostics and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural fields, Dr. Das is creating laser sensing devices capable of precise measurements of temperature, stress and strain that will be invaluable tools for the construction and engineering industries.

These devices will make it possible for new buildings, transportation infrastructure components and other structural elements to be more safely designed and monitored.

To learn more about 2012 CFI funding awarded and researchers across Canada, please visit www.innovation.ca.

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Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Student Success Centre employees are pictured above at this year's Career & Job Fair.

One year after its inception, the positive results of Lakehead University's Student Success Centre (SSC) are evident in the Globe & Mail's 2013 Canadian University Report. Released Tuesday, the report publishes students' opinions on the diverse aspects of Canada's universities.

Due in large part to Lakehead's 15-month-old SSC, the University's grades have risen in numerous categories, including overall satisfaction with student services and career preparation.

Lakehead Student Success Centre Director Heather Doyle says she's excited to hear that students appreciate the hard work put forward by everyone at the SSC. "This report motivates us to do even more to help Lakehead students get the most out of their post-secondary experience and beyond."

Other notable categories where Lakehead University improved include its commitment to environmental sustainability, campus buildings and facilities, and international student services.

"These results emphasize what we already know about Lakehead University," says Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. "This is a great place to study and it's only getting better."

To view the report visit: www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/canadian-university-report/

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Media:

Please call Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177 or emailmediarelations@lakeheadu.ca for more information.

Lakehead University
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Midhurst/October 24, 2012 - On behalf of Simcoe County Council, Warden Cal Patterson presented Lakehead University Orillia with a $1-million cheque in support of post-secondary education.

"Lakehead University Orillia is a vital piece of Simcoe County's knowledge-based economy," said Warden Cal Patterson. "County Council recognizes the positive impact access to post-secondary education has on residents and the overall economic well-being of Simcoe County. We look forward to a continued partnership with Lakehead University as we build greater opportunities in Simcoe County."

Accepting the contribution was Dr. Kim Fedderson, Lakehead University Dean and Vice-Provost, Orillia Campus, on behalf of Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson.

"Lakehead University is very pleased to have the continued support of Simcoe County," said Dr. Stevenson. "Working together we have been able to increase opportunities for access to university education throughout the County."

Cheque presentation at Lakehead University (l to r): Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice-Provost, Orillia Campus, Lakehead University; Harry Hughes, Deputy Warden, County of Simcoe; Cal Patterson, Warden, County of Simcoe; Deb Comuzzi, Vice-President, External Relations, Lakehead University; Gerry Marshall and Rob Keffer, Simcoe County Councillors.

To date, the County of Simcoe has contributed $2.5 million to Lakehead University, Orillia Campus.

"We are already seeing the impact that the University is having on our workforce as we prepare to meet the challenges of a knowledge-based economy," said Dr. Fedderson. "The number of residents in Simcoe County who attend university is on the rise, and this positive change in our communities owes much to the leadership and vision of County Council."

Lakehead University Orillia continues to be a key partner in numerous economic development initiatives laid out in the County of Simcoe's 10-year economic development and tourism strategic plan adopted in June 2011.

Statistics show at least eight out of every 10 new jobs created today require at least a post-secondary degree or diploma to apply. For Simcoe County, this means nearly 50 per cent of our current workforce could have difficulty securing a job in the new economy because they don't have the basic entry requirements. It also means Simcoe County could have difficulty attracting new employment opportunities because we don't have the necessary skills in our existing workforce, or the ability to train our residents with the required skills.

Studies also show that more than 60 per cent of post-secondary graduates choose to stay and live in the immediate area in which they receive their post-secondary education. This is why providing post-secondary education opportunities close to home is a vital piece in strengthening any local economy.

The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.

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